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9 months ago
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The announcement of Xavi’s future departure surprised more than one at FC Barcelona. After the heavy defeat against Villarreal (5-3) on January 27, the coach said he would stop after the current season. He says he is worn out and feels that he can no longer find the resources to allow his team to progress. This statement may also have been surprising in its timing. Certainly, the Blaugranas, 3rd 8 points behind the leader, Real Madrid, will probably lose their champion title, and were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey but the 8th finals of the Champions League (facing in Naples) present themselves.
It is in this state of mind that the culé squad is preparing to play a large part of its season. Xavi also allows his management to anticipate and survey potential candidates. The first names quickly emerged like Jürgen Klopp, José Mourinho, Mikel Arteta and even Frank Rijkaard. No decision will be made in the coming days because other coaches, currently in office, will be free at the end of the season. Still, management must first adopt the desired profile, and that is already a first problem. According to A.S.Joan Laporta and Deco do not have the same opinion on the subject.
Laporta and Deco disagree
An annoying disagreement since the two protagonists are the two most powerful personalities at the club. For the president of Barça, Xavi’s passage is rather a failure despite the La Liga title last spring. He regrets having entrusted the team to an inexperienced coach. He is now in favor of the arrival of a more experienced technician, also with a strong character and capable of uniting a locker room with too many clans. Two names stand out: Hansi Flick and Jürgen Klopp. Free since his departure from the Nationalmannschaft, the first is favored by Laporta while the second would rather be a sweet dream.
Deco has another vision of things. He favors a coach with a more discreet profile, with a great capacity to adapt and giving young people a chance. His ideal target is Sérgio Conceição, whose career is managed by a certain Jorge Mendes, very close to the upper echelons of Barça. The information has not been made official but the FC Porto coach will leave the club at the end of this financial year after 7 seasons and numerous titles won. Before choosing, Laporta and Deco will have to start by ironing things out, even if they seem to agree on one point. A Spanish candidacy like Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), Michel (Girona) or Imanol Alguacil (Real Sociedad) is not on the agenda, nor is a Rafael Marquez, especially after his declarations, or a Thiago Motta.
Written by:
Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team. As an author for the website, Manu's expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers. When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Manu enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans. Feel free to follow Manu on Twitter and interact with him as he shares his expert opinions, insights, and love for French football.
